Space Conditioning Systems
All heating systems should be checked periodically by
a professional. Consult the installation manual for
maintenance frequency, or ask the dealer who installed
the system how often professional inspections are
recommended. Generally, oil burning units and heat pumps
should be inspected annually; gas fired units and
electric furnaces every 2 to 3 years.
Burners
Have oil burners inspected, cleaned, lubricated, and
adjusted by a heating and cooling professional annually).
This will insure soot and odor-free operation as well as
maximum combustion efficiency.
Check to see that the draft regulator on the oil
burner is functioning, i.e., that the small damper on the
exhaust stack is movable.
Have the exhaust gases on an oil burner analyzed by a
professional to determine if the system is functioning at
maximum efficiency (annually).
Inspect the underside of interior oil storage tanks
for oil leakage by running your hand along the bottom
section (semiannually). Roughness or a film of oil on the
hand indicates leaks and will require replacing the oil
tank. (Note: Repairs can be difficult and dangerous and
may not last.)
Inspect the flame color in gas fired units
(annually). The flame should be primarily bluish in
color. If it is yellow or if flames are lifting of the
burners, call a professional to adjust the system.
Furnaces/Boilers
Inspect the walls of the heat exchanger for
deterioration, corrosion, debris, soot, mineral deposits,
or cracks. If any damage is evident, consult a
professional to clean or replace the unit, depending upon
severity. If the area only needs cleaning, you can
perform this task. Ask the heating and cooling contractor
to show you how during his/her next visit, or consult the
installation manual.
Clean mineral deposits from humidifiers attached to
the furnace. Consult the operating manual for
directions.
In boilers, if the firebox is accessible, inspect it
to see if water leakage or dripping is evident (annually).
If so, have the problem checked by a
professional.
Check water pressure in the boiler (throughout the
heating season).
Check the pressure relief valve on the boiler by
opening it and allowing a small quantity of water to flow
(annually).
Ask a professional to demonstrate this procedure.
If the relief valve does not operate, have it replaced.
The valve may not reseat properly after the test because
of mineral deposit buildup. If this occurs, have it
replaced.
Distribution Systems
(Ducts for forced air systems; pipes for water and steam
systems.)
Oil the motor and fan in your forced air heating
system (at the beginning and during the heating season).
The heating contractor can show you how, or
consult the furnace installation manual.
Oil the motor of the circulating pump in your hot
water heating system (at the beginning of the heating
season).
The heating contractor can illustrate the
procedure, or consult the boiler operating manual.
Clean or replace the air filter in a forced air
heating system
(check the filter monthly during the winter). Consult the
installation manual for directions and recommended
replacement frequency.
Inspect insulation on heating supply ducts/pipes to
insure that it is secure (annually). Refasten any loose
insulation.
Inspect exposed distribution piping/ducts in the
basement, crawl space, or attic for leaky joints
(annually). If joints are loose or broken, reseal.
Inspect the floor area under radiators or convectors
for signs of leaks (annually). If stains are present,
seal the leak or replace leaking valves.
Heat Outlets
Remove register grills, and vacuum the grill and duct
area in each room to remove din and dust balls(quarterly).
(Note: Removing dust buildup will help warm air circulate
more freely.)
Remove the return air grill and vacuum the grill and
duct work (quarterly). (Note; Cleaning the return air
grill will help the air flow back to the furnace for
reheating more easily.)
Check each room in the home for the level of heat
output, especially rooms farthest from the furnace/boiler
(annually), Uneven heat distribution indicates the system
is out of balance. Consult a heating contractor.
Safety/Temperature Controls
Inspect and clean the thermostat (annually). Use a
soft brush to remove dust and lint. Use soft white paper
to clean the contacts. Ask the heating contractor to
demonstrate the procedure.
Check to see that the master shutoff switch to the
heating system is operational (annually). If it does not
shut off the system, consult a professional.
Inspect bricks and mortar joints of bricks lining the
fireplace firebox (annually), Cracked and chipped bricks
or broken mortar joints should be repaired as they
present a potential fire hazard. Consult a professional.
Remove soot and creosote from the fireplace chimney
(annually) and from the wood burning stovepipe and
chimney (fall). Check the wood stovepipe and chimney
monthly for creosote buildup during the heating season.
Inspect stovepipe to insure it is in good condition
and free of corrosion or small holes (annually). Old,
weak stovepipe should be replaced before another fire is
built in the stove box.
Check wood burning appliances for rust, cracks, or
other excessive wear (annually). Consult with a
professional to determine how to make repairs,
Air Conditioning
Have the air conditioning system checked periodically
by a professional heating and cooling contractor (consult
the installation manual for frequency).
If central air conditioner lines are equipped with a
sight glass, check the refrigerant level to see that it
is adequate, i.e., no bubbles present (periodically
during the cooling season). If a sight glass is not
present, check the low pressure refrigerant line for
frost, Ask the cooling contractor to show you how, If the
refrigerant is low, have it replaced; then try to locate
the leak and have it sealed.
Clean the central air conditioner condensing unit
(the pan located outside the house) of insects, din, and
leaves (spring). Most can simply be hosed out. Consult
the installation manual for instructions.
Oil the blower motor and fan on both the condensing
and the evaporation units (annually). Consult the
operating manual to determine where, how, and the oil
type.
Check the tension on the fan belts of the condensing
and evaporation unit blowers (at the beginning of the
cooling season), If the belts give more than 3/4 to 1
inch, adjust, Consult the installation manual to
determine how.
Inspect the ducts carrying cooled air for leaks or
openings in the joints and for insulation slippage
(annually). Rejoin leaking ducts with duct tape.
Reposition insulation.
Clean or replace air filters in both window and
central air conditioning units (every 3 months during the
cooling season for central units, monthly for window
units).
Clean window air conditioning units, particularly the
evaporation coil; oil the blower motor and the fan, and
clean the fan blades (at the beginning of the cooling
season). Consult the installation manual. Follow the
manufacturer's instructions regarding winter storage.
Check the joint between the window frame and the unit
to be sure it is properly caulked and weather-stripped
(annually).